I ran for Congress against John Campbell in 2012. Though a nice man whose service I appreciated, I honestly believed he did not have the skill set to battle an out-of-control Federal Government bent on managing every aspect of our lives.
We now face the task of picking a replacement for Congressman Campbell. Immediately the politicians, none living in the 45th, raced to declare their desire to represent the 45th Congressional District.
One of the front runners, Mimi Walters, had previously announced her intent to run for the Board of Supervisors. When John Campbell announced his retirement, she suddenly had a small apartment and claimed to have moved from her mansion into basically a closet/college dorm somewhere in the 45th. Does anybody but me feel this is more about her political career and less about our District?
The other frontrunner, John Moorlach, is being termed out of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, but not before attempting to overturn term limits so he could serve another term. Then, he announced he was exploring a run for Governor. When the 45th opened up, even though he did not live in the district, it was clear to him the position required his expertise. Again, is this about the 45th or about his political career?
Where is the citizen who is willing to serve and then return to private industry? Where is the citizen who fears the growth of government and wants to lead a return to the Constitution with its stated purpose of a small Federal Government with limited and defined powers?
Not knowing either of these folks on a personal basis I can only look to their political career. During their collective careers has government grown or is it smaller? Are taxes higher or lower? Does the government have more or less control over our lives? Which of these people led the charge for smaller government, led the battle against Obama Care, spent their campaign money to stop the carbon tax in California or appeared in the National Press demanding the EPA stop issuing rules adversely affecting businesses in California?
If we continue with policies of the past, we will continue to have government telling us what type of light bulbs, toilets and (soon) ceiling fans we can have. If we continue to rely on the rich and the connected, who among you believe our future will be different than the last ten years?
I’m calling for a search for a business person fighting for lower taxes, controls on the EPA, repeal of Dodd-Frank and enforcement of the Constitution. I’m calling for someone who will serve for no more than eight years and then return to the business world to live under the rules they helped pass. I’m calling for someone who will stand up for citizens and against the growth of government. I’m calling for someone who is not part of the system and instead is new with new ideas, having the courage to stand for citizens and not for government.
The 45th Congressional District has many successful, intelligent people who can serve us. Let's not make the mistake of hiring more people, who are professional politicians, who can't see their constituents past their own mirror.
